Mark Rutte warns: NATO will defend itself if Russia is “stupid enough” to attack allied territories

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday in Tallinn that the North Atlantic Alliance is not currently facing an imminent threat to its territory, but will defend itself if Russia launches an attack.

During a speech delivered in the Estonian capital, Rutte warned that Moscow would face the consequences of any potential aggression. “What exactly we will do if the Russians are foolish enough to attack, you will see then,” the official said, adding that he would not provide details about the Alliance’s response.

Rutte stressed that NATO member states are prepared to defend their territory and populations. However, he reiterated the organization’s defensive nature and said that NATO does not intend to attack other states.

The statements were made against the backdrop of persistent tensions between NATO and Russia and concerns about Europe’s security. In this context, the Alliance is strengthening its military capabilities on its eastern flank, including near Russia’s borders. Estonia, a NATO member state bordering Russia, is one of the strategic areas for the Alliance’s defense plans.